Dean Roger Tollefsrud passed away November 16, 2021. He was born April 4, 1955, in LaCrosse, WI, and started his life in Spring Grove, MN, to Harris and Margaret (Overhaug) Tollefsrud.

Dean spent most of his youth in Rochester, MN, and graduated from Mayo High School in 1972. He later went on to complete construction and heavy equipment operation training and schooling, and later, graphic design school.

He was married to Diana Paepke-Tollefsrud from 1981-1999. They had two children, Erik and Katrina.

Throughout his life, Dean had many hobbies and passions that involved competitive mountain biking, blacksmithing, tae-kwan-do, photography, and live blues music. He owned a photography and photo restoration business which brought him great joy and freedom.

Most recently, Dean enjoyed life as an organic farmer growing unique vegetables and culinary mushrooms. He could be found almost every Saturday at the local farmers market with a smile on his face sharing his produce and mushrooms with the community. He connected with the divine intelligence and beauty of nature whether it was in cultivating his gardens, planting and restoring native prairies or simply a hike in the woods and he enjoyed capturing those moments and intricacies through his photography.

Dean is survived by his son, Erik (Erin) of Cottage Grove, MN; his daughter, Katrina (Amy) of Rochester, MN; his brother, DeWaine (Jane and daughter Zoe) of Hilo, HI; his partner, Andrea Tolle; Andrea's daughter, Silvia Mueller; and several beloved aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

A visitation will be Saturday, December 4th, 10am-12pm in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.